Pregnancy Testing
Early Pregnancy Signs
A late or missed period is the first and most notable sign of early pregnancy. A typical period is anywhere from 21 to 35 days. If your cycle is 29 days and you have not had your period by day 30, your period is late.
The second sign may vary as each woman and pregnancy is unique. Each woman’s experience will be different, so after the first pregnancy, signs of a missed or late period, your next sign may be fatigue, nausea, increased urination, and swollen breasts.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
For example, signs and symptoms of pregnancy depend on the woman. Headaches, smell sensitivity, morning sickness, backaches, mood swings, and light implantation bleeding can all be symptoms of early pregnancy. The difficulty with signs and symptoms of pregnancy is that your period could simply be late due to stress, and your symptoms and signs could be PMS. Your next best step to determining if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
When to take a pregnancy test
Some tests can detect pregnancy 10 days after conception. However, the best time to take a pregnancy test is after you miss your period. If you experience irregular cycles, don’t chart your cycles, or have been on birth control, take a test after the most extended menstrual cycle you’ve had. For example, if your cycles range from 25 to 28 days, the best time to take a test would be day 29 or later.
If you are only a few days late, the best time to take a test is first thing in the morning.
Types of pregnancy tests
There are three types of pregnancy tests: an at-home pregnancy test, a clinical urine test, and a blood test. The last two require the oversight of a licensed medical professional.
Pregnancy tests often reveal lines, positive or negative symbols, and writing such as pregnant and not pregnant to inform you of your result. If you’re taking an at-home pregnancy test, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully to determine whether or not you’re pregnant. This will ensure an accurate reading and prevent false-positive results from user error.
Understanding Your Pregnancy Results
An at-home and clinical pregnancy test measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone the placenta produces after implantation. The presence of hCG in your body is a strong indicator of pregnancy. The lines, colors, and symbols on the test respond to the hCG levels in your body, providing a precise result. Understanding the role of hCG in pregnancy testing can help you interpret your results more accurately.
It’s important to follow the directions to get an accurate reading. Otherwise, a false-positive result could occur due to user error. A false-positive result means the test indicates you are pregnant when you are not. Additionally, two different pregnancy tests have specific timing, sensitivities, and accuracy. If you plan on testing multiple times, always use the same brand.
Why Choose Her Health Women's Center
If you think you might be pregnant and would prefer a clinical pregnancy test, Her Health Women's Center is here to help. We strive to assist you in determining if you’re pregnant, verifying whether the pregnancy is in the right location, and determining how far along you are via ultrasound. Our caring staff will guide you through the process and help you understand your options. You don’t have to figure this out alone.